Thursday, December 31, 2009

South Africa (see map) is a country blessed with an abundance of natural resources including fertile farmlands and unique mineral resources. South African mines are world leaders in the production of diamonds and gold as well as strategic metals such as platinum. The climate is mild, reportedly resembling the San Francisco bay area weather more than anywhere in the world.

South Africa was colonized by the English and Dutch in the seventeenth century. English domination of the Dutch descendents (known as Boers or Afrikaners) resulted in the Dutch establishing the new colonies of Orange Free State and Transvaal. The discovery of diamonds in these lands around 1900 resulted in an English invasion which sparked the Boer War. Following independence from England, an uneasy power-sharing between the two groups held sway until the 1940's, when the Afrikaner National Party was able to gain a strong majority. Strategists in the National Party invented apartheid as a means to cement their control over the economic and social system. Initially, aim of the apartheid was to maintain white domination while extending racial separation. Starting in the 60's, a plan of ``Grand Apartheid'' was executed, emphasizing territorial separation and police repression.

With the enactment of apartheid laws in 1948, racial discrimination was institutionalized. Race laws touched every aspect of social life, including a prohibition of marriage between non-whites and whites, and the sanctioning of ``white-only'' jobs. In 1950, the Population Registration Act required that all South Africans be racially classified into one of three categories: white, black (African), or colored (of mixed decent). The coloured category included major subgroups of Indians and Asians. Classification into these categories was based on appearance, social acceptance, and descent. For example, a white person was defined as ``in appearance obviously a white person or generally accepted as a white person.'' A person could not be considered white if one of his or her parents were non-white. The determination that a person was ``obviously white'' would take into account ``his habits, education, and speech and deportment and demeanor.'' A black person would be of or accepted as a member of an African tribe or race, and a colored person is one that is not black or white. The Department of Home Affairs (a government bureau) was responsible for the classification of the citizenry. Non-compliance with the race laws were dealt with harshly. All blacks were required to carry ``pass books'' containing fingerprints, photo and information on access to non-black areas.

In 1951, the Bantu Authorities Act established a basis for ethnic government in African reserves, known as ``homelands.'' These homelands were independent states to which each African was assigned by the government according to the record of origin (which was frequently inaccurate). All political rights, including voting, held by an African were restricted to the designated homeland. The idea was that they would be citizens of the homeland, losing their citizenship in South Africa and any right of involvement with the South African Parliament which held complete hegemony over the homelands. From 1976 to 1981, four of these homelands were created, denationalizing nine million South Africans. The homeland administrations refused the nominal independence, maintaining pressure for political rights within the country as a whole. Nevertheless, Africans living in the homelands needed passports to enter South Africa: aliens in their own country.

In 1953, the Public Safety Act and the Criminal Law Amendment Act were passed, which empowered the government to declare stringent states of emergency and increased penalties for protesting against or supporting the repeal of a law. The penalties included fines, imprisonment and whippings. In 1960, a large group of blacks in Sharpeville refused to carry their passes; the government declared a state of emergency. The emergency lasted for 156 days, leaving 69 people dead and 187 people wounded. Wielding the Public Safety Act and the Criminal Law Amendment Act, the white regime had no intention of changing the unjust laws of apartheid.

The penalties imposed on political protest, even non-violent protest, were severe. During the states of emergency which continued intermittently until 1989, anyone could be detained without a hearing by a low-level police official for up to six months. Thousands of individuals died in custody, frequently after gruesome acts of torture. Those who were tried were sentenced to death, banished, or imprisoned for life, like Nelson Mandela.The apartheid policy was highly effective of achieving its goal of preferential treatment for whites, as is demonstrated by the statistics in Figure 1.

Antisemitism: A Continuing Threat“History has shown that wherever anti-Semitism has gone unchecked, the persecution of others has been present or not far behind. Defeating anti-Semitism must be a cause of great importance not only for Jews, but for all people who value humanity and justice….”—U.S. Department of State, Contemporary Global Anti-Semitism Report, March 13, 2008

Prejudice against or hatred of Jews — known as antisemitism — has plagued the world for more than 2,000 years.

A woman sits on a park bench marked “Only for Jews.” Austria, ca. March 1938. —USHMM #11195/Institute of Contemporary History and Wiener Library Limited

Around the world today, there is an increase in antisemitism, including hate speech, violence targeting Jews and Jewish institutions, and denial, minimization, and distortion of the facts of the Holocaust. Militant Islamic groups with political power use language suggestive of genocide regarding the State of Israel. The president of Iran declared the Holocaust a “myth” and said Israel should be “wiped off the map.” The president of Venezuela accused Israel of attempting to carry out “genocide” against the Palestinian people. Throughout Europe, far-right ultranationalist parties—with openly antisemitic and racist messages—made significant gains in recent parliamentary elections. And in the United States, imagery and language of the Holocaust are frequently misappropriated to make a point or promote an agenda.

In the aftermath of the moral and societal failures that made the Holocaust possible, we must remain alert to antisemitism, hatred, and all forms of bigotry.

Read more about antisemitism »Read more about Holocaust denial »

In February 2007, a Jewish memorial to the Holocaust was defaced and nearly 300 Jewish graves desecrated in Odessa in southern Ukraine. —Photo courtesy European Jewish Press

Voices on Antisemitism

An audio series and podcast service that features a broad range of perspectives about antisemitism and hatred today. Guests include Elie Wiesel, Cornel West, Robert Satloff, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Faiza Abdul-Wahab, and Daniel Craig. Join us every other week to hear a new program.More about the series »

A Dangerous Lie: The Protocols of the Elders of ZionThis special exhibition explores the continuing impact of the most widely distributed antisemitic publication of modern times.Read more about the Protocols »View animated timeline from 1964 to the present »Watch a video about the exhibit »عربي »فارسی »Português (BR) »en Español »Türkçe »اُردو »

Online Exhibition Deadly Medicine: Creating the Master RaceIn the early 20th century, as science and technology were becoming more prevalent, the “science” of eugenics began to provide a basis for defining Jews as biologically inferior.Learn more »

State of Deception: The Power of Nazi PropagandaThis groundbreaking exhibition reveals how the Nazi Party used modern techniques as well as new technologies and carefully crafted messages to sway millions with its vision for a new Germany.

Anorexia — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, treatments and more.DefinitionIronically, as concern grows over the rise in obesity rates, some people battle the opposite problem — anorexia nervosa. People with anorexia are obsessed with food and their weight and body shape. They attempt to maintain a weight that's far below normal for their age and height. In extreme cases, they may be skeletally thin but still think they're fat. To prevent weight gain or to continue losing weight, people with anorexia may starve themselves or exercise excessively.

Although anorexia (an-o-REK-se-uh) centers around food, the disease isn't only about food. Anorexia is an unhealthy way to try to cope with emotional problems, perfectionism and a desire for control. When you have anorexia, you often equate your self-worth with how thin you are.

Anorexia can be chronic and difficult to overcome. But with treatment, you can gain a better sense of who you are, return to healthier eating habits and reverse some of anorexia's serious complications.

SymptomsSome people with anorexia lose weight mainly through severely restricting the amount of food they eat. They may also try to lose weight by exercising excessively. Others with anorexia engage in binging and purging, similar to bulimia. They control calorie intake by vomiting after eating or by misusing laxatives, diuretics or enemas.

No matter how weight loss is achieved, anorexia has a number of physical, emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms.

Refusal to eatDenial of hungerExcessive exerciseFlat mood, or lack of emotionDifficulty concentratingPreoccupation with foodAnorexia red flags to watch forIt may be hard to notice signs and symptoms of anorexia. People with anorexia often go to great lengths to disguise their thinness, eating habits or physical problems.

If you're concerned that a loved one may have anorexia, watch for these possible red flags:

Skipping mealsMaking excuses for not eatingEating only a few certain "safe" foods, usually those low in fat and caloriesAdopting rigid meal or eating rituals, such as cutting food into tiny pieces or spitting food out after chewingWeighing foodCooking elaborate meals for others but refusing to eatRepeated weighing of themselvesFrequent checking in the mirror for perceived flawsWearing baggy or layered clothingComplaining about being fatCausesIt's not known specifically what causes some people to develop anorexia. As with many diseases, it's likely a combination of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors.

Biological. Some people may be genetically vulnerable to developing anorexia. Young women with a biological sister or mother with an eating disorder are at higher risk, for example, suggesting a possible genetic link. Studies of twins also support that idea. However, it's not clear specifically how genetics may play a role. It may be that some people have a genetic tendency toward perfectionism, sensitivity and perseverance, all traits associated with anorexia. There's also some evidence that serotonin — one of the brain chemicals involved in depression — may play a role in anorexia.Psychological. People with anorexia may have psychological and emotional characteristics that contribute to anorexia. They may have low self-worth, for instance. They may have obsessive-compulsive personality traits that make it easier to stick to strict diets and forgo food despite being hungry. They may have an extreme drive for perfectionism, which means they may never think they're thin enough.Sociocultural. Modern Western culture often cultivates and reinforces a desire for thinness. The media are splashed with images of waif-like models and actors. Success and worth are often equated with being thin. Peer pressure may fuel the desire to be thin, particularly among young girls. However, anorexia and other eating disorders existed centuries ago, suggesting that sociocultural values aren't solely responsible.Risk factorsAnorexia may seem very common because of media attention and television specials, but in truth, its prevalence is hard to pin down, partly because anorexia is sometimes defined in different ways by different researchers. Some estimates say only about 1 percent of American girls and women have anorexia. Others suggest that up to 10 percent of adolescent girls have anorexia. Anorexia is more common in girls and women. But recent research suggests that an increasing number of boys and men have been developing eating disorders in the last decade, perhaps because of growing social pressure. And while anorexia is more common among teens, people of any age can develop this eating disorder.

Although the precise cause of anorexia is unknown, certain factors can increase the risk of developing anorexia, including:

Dieting. People who lose weight by dieting are often reinforced by positive comments from others and by their changing appearance. They may end up dieting excessively.Unintentional weight loss. People who don't intentionally diet but lose weight after an illness or accident may be complimented on their new-found thinness. Reinforced, they may wind up dieting to an extreme.Weight gain. Someone who gains weight may be dismayed with their new shape and may get criticized or ridiculed. In response, they may wind up dieting excessively.Puberty. Some adolescents have trouble coping with the changes their bodies go through during puberty. They also may face increased peer pressure and may be more sensitive to criticism or even casual comments about weight or body shape. All of these can set the stage for anorexia.Transitions. Whether it's a new school, home or job, a relationship breakup, or the death or illness of a loved one, change can bring emotional distress. One way to cope, especially in situations that may be out of someone's control, is to latch on to something that they can control, such as their eating.Sports, work and artistic activities. Athletes, actors and television personalities, dancers, and models are at higher risk of anorexia. For some, such as ballerinas, ultra-thinness may even be a professional requirement. Sports associated with anorexia include running, wrestling, figure skating and gymnastics. Professional men and women may believe they'll improve their upward mobility by losing weight, and then take it to an extreme. Coaches and parents may inadvertently raise the risk by suggesting that young athletes lose weight.Media and society. The media, such as television and fashion magazines, frequently feature a parade of skinny models and actors. But whether the media merely reflect social values or actually drive them isn't clear-cut. In any case, these images may seem to equate thinness with success and popularity.When to seek medical adviceAnorexia, like other eating disorders, can take over your life. You may think about food all of the time, spend hours agonizing over options in the grocery store, and exercise to exhaustion. You also may have a host of physical problems that make you feel generally miserable, such as dizziness, constipation, fatigue and frequently feeling cold. You may be irritable, angry, moody, sad, anxious and hopeless. You might visit pro-anorexia Web sites, refer to the disease as your "friend," cover up in layers of heavy clothing, and try to subsist on a menu of lettuce, carrots, popcorn and diet soda.

If you're experiencing any of these problems, or if you think you may have an eating disorder, get help. Remind yourself that you're not actually in control anymore — the anorexia is. If you're hiding your anorexia from loved ones, try to find a trusted confidante you can talk to about what's going on. Together, you can come up with some treatment options.

Unfortunately, many people with anorexia don't want treatment, at least initially. Their desire to remain thin overrides concerns about their health. If you have a loved one you're worried about, urge him or her to talk to a doctor. But unless you have legal authority to do so, you can't force loved ones to get treatment.

Tests and diagnosisWhen doctors suspect someone has anorexia, they typically run a battery of tests and exams. These can help pinpoint a diagnosis and also check for any related complications.

These exams and tests generally include:

Physical exam. This may include measuring height and weight; checking vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature; checking the skin for dryness or other problems; listening to the heart and lungs; and examining the abdomen.Laboratory tests. These may include a complete blood count (CBC), as well as more specialized blood tests to check electrolytes and protein as well as functioning of the liver, kidney and thyroid. A urinalysis also may be done.Psychological evaluation. A doctor or mental health professional can assess thoughts, feelings and eating habits. Psychological self-assessments and questionnaires also are used.Other studies. X-rays may be taken to check for broken bones, pneumonia or heart problems. Electrocardiograms may be done to look for heart irregularities. Testing may also be done to determine how much energy your body uses, which can help in planning nutritional requirements.Diagnostic criteria for anorexiaTo be diagnosed with anorexia, you must meet criteria spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DMS), published by the American Psychiatric Association.

DSM diagnostic criteria for anorexia are:

Refusal to maintain a body weight that is at or above the minimum normal weight for your age and heightIntense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though you're underweightDenying the seriousness of having a low body weight, or having a distorted image of your appearance or shapeIn women who've started having periods, the absence of a period for at least three consecutive menstrual cyclesThese criteria, however, are not without controversy. Some medical professionals believe these criteria are too strict or don't accurately reflect symptoms in some people. Some people may not meet all of these criteria but still have an eating disorder and need professional help. As more is learned about anorexia, the diagnostic criteria may change.

ComplicationsAnorexia can have numerous complications. At its most severe, it can be fatal. Anorexia has one of the higher death rates among all mental illnesses, around 5 percent but perhaps even higher than that. Death may occur suddenly — even when someone is not severely underweight. This may result from abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or electrolyte imbalances.

Complications of anorexia include:

DeathAnemiaHeart problems, such as mitral valve prolapse, abnormal heart rhythms and heart failureBone loss, increasing risk of fractures later in lifeLung problems resembling emphysemaIn females, absence of a periodIn males, decreased testosteroneGastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, bloating or nauseaElectrolyte abnormalities, such as low blood potassium, sodium and chlorideKidney problemsIf a person with anorexia becomes severely malnourished, every organ in the body can sustain damage, including the brain, heart and kidneys. This damage may not be fully reversible, even when the anorexia is under control.

In addition to the host of physical complications, people with anorexia also commonly have other mental disorders as well. They may include:

DepressionAnxiety disordersPersonality disordersObsessive-compulsive disordersDrug abuseTreatments and drugsWhen you have anorexia, you may need several types of treatment. If your life is in immediate danger, you may need treatment in a hospital emergency department for such issues as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances or psychiatric problems.

Treatment of anorexia is generally done using a team approach that includes medical providers, mental health providers and dietitians, all with experience in eating disorders.

Here's a look at what's commonly involved in treating people with anorexia:

Medical careBecause of the host of complications anorexia causes, you may need frequent monitoring of vital signs, hydration level and electrolytes, as well as related physical conditions. A family doctor or primary care doctor may be the one who coordinates care with the other health care professionals involved. Sometimes, though, it's the mental health provider who coordinates care.

PsychotherapyIndividual, family and group therapy may all be beneficial. Individual therapy can help you deal with the behavior and thoughts that contribute to anorexia. In psychotherapy, you can gain a healthier self-esteem and learn positive ways to cope with distress and other strong feelings. A type of talk therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is most commonly used but lacks strong evidence that it's superior to other forms of therapy. The mental health provider can help assess the need for psychiatric hospitalization or day treatment programs.

Family therapy can help resolve family conflicts or muster support from concerned family members. Family therapy can be especially important for children with anorexia who still live at home. Group therapy gives you a way to connect to others facing eating disorders. And informal support groups can also be helpful. However, be careful with group therapy. For some people with anorexia, group therapy or support groups can result in competitions to be the thinnest person there.

Nutritional therapyA dietitian offers guidance on a healthy diet. A dietitian can provide specific meal plans and calorie requirements to help meet weight goals. In severe cases, people with anorexia may require feeding through a tube that's placed in their nose and goes to the stomach (nasogastric tube).

MedicationsThere are no medications specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anorexia since they've shown limited benefit in treating this eating disorder. However, antidepressants or other psychiatric medications can help treat other mental disorders you may also have, such as depression or anxiety.

HospitalizationIn cases of medical complications, psychiatric emergencies, severe malnutrition or continued refusal to eat, hospitalization may be needed. Hospitalization may be on a medical or psychiatric ward. Some clinics specialize in treating people with eating disorders. Some may offer day programs or residential programs, rather than full hospitalization. Specialized eating disorder programs may offer more intensive treatment over longer periods of time. Also, even after hospitalization ends, ongoing therapy and nutrition education are highly important to continued recovery.

Treatment challenges in anorexiaAnorexia occurs on a continuum. Some cases are much more severe than others. Less severe cases may take less time for treatment and recovery. But one of the biggest challenges in treating anorexia is that people may not want treatment or think they don't need it. In fact, some people with anorexia promote it as a lifestyle choice. They don't consider it an illness. Pro-anorexia Web sites are proliferating, even offering tips on which foods to avoid and how to fight hunger pangs.

Even if you do want to get better, the pull of anorexia can be difficult to overcome. Anorexia is often an ongoing, lifelong battle. It may wax or wane. Even if symptoms subside, you remain vulnerable and may have a relapse during periods of high stress or during triggering situations. For some women, for instance, anorexia symptoms may subside during pregnancy but return after pregnancy. Ongoing therapy or periodic appointments during times of stress may be helpful.

PreventionThere's no guaranteed way to prevent anorexia or other eating disorders. Pediatricians may be in a good position to identify early indicators of an eating disorder and prevent the development of full-blown illness. They can ask children questions about their eating habits and satisfaction with their appearance during routine medical appointments, for instance.

If you notice a family member or friend with low self-esteem, severe dieting and dissatisfaction with appearance, consider talking to him or her about these issues. Although you may not be able to prevent an eating disorder from developing, you can talk about healthier behavior or treatment options.

Lifestyle and home remediesWhen you have anorexia, it can be difficult to take care of yourself properly. In addition to professional treatment, follow these steps:

Stick to your treatment plan. Don't skip therapy sessions and try not to stray from meal plans, even if they make you uncomfortable.Talk to your doctor about appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements. If you're not eating well, chances are your body isn't getting all of the nutrients it needs.Don't isolate yourself from caring family members and friends who want to see you get healthy. Understand that they have your best interests at heart.Resist urges to weigh yourself or check yourself in the mirror frequently. These may do nothing but fuel your drive to maintain unhealthy habits.Coping and supportYou may find it difficult to cope with anorexia when you're hit with mixed messages by the media, culture, and perhaps your own family or friends. You may even have heard people joke that they wish they could have anorexia for a while so that they could lose weight.

So how do you cope with a disease that can be deadly when you may be getting messages that being thin is a sign of success?

Remind yourself what a healthy weight is for your body, especially at times when you see images that may trigger your desire to restrict calories.Don't visit pro-anorexia Web sites. These sites can encourage you to maintain dangerous habits and trigger relapses. Anorexia isn't a lifestyle choice. It's a disease, and it's probably controlling your life.Acknowledge that you may not be the best judge of whether you're eating enough or are at a healthy weight.Identify situations that are likely to trigger thoughts or behavior that may contribute to your anorexia so that you can develop a plan of action to deal with them.Look for positive role models, even if they're not easy to find. Remind yourself that the ultrathin models or actors showcased in women's magazines or gossip magazines often don't represent healthy bodies.Don't call anorexia your friend. That kind of self-deception can kill you.Related links:Eating disorder treatment: Know your optionsEating disorders

Researchers do not want the general public to know what really happens behind the closed doors of their animal testing laboratories - they have too much to hide!Brian Gunn is Secretary General of the International Association Against Painful Experiments on Animals [IAAPEA] and a non-Governmental Officer at the United Nations.In obtaining vital photographic evidence of the cruelty of vivisection - Brian Gunn has penetrated the veil of secrecy which shrouds laboratory animal testing research.During the course of his undercover work he has both been threatened and badly beaten up. His thought-provoking animal testing photographs and investigative reports have won many awards.Brian Gunn's pictures are extensively used on TV and in newspapers, films and magazine throughout the world.See cosmetic, household product, medical, make-up, drug, toxicity, surgery, medicine, LD50, draize, cancer, alcohol, warfare, pharmaceutical, ingredients, psychology, sight deprivation, animal laboratory, research testing pictures here.

AIDS (Disease) AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is one of the most devastating diseases of modern times. Billions of dollars have been spent on AIDS research, treatment, and prevention. The disease and its consequences raise difficult questions for people who have AIDS and their families and friends, as well as for health care workers, policy makers, and others.

AIDS (Disease) Overview

Globally, more than 21 million people have died since the AIDS pandemic began in the early 1980s, with the most damaging effects felt in sub-Saharan Africa. 15,000 new cases are reported worldwide every day.

Cause and Spread of the Disease

AIDS is caused by HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus. People who have…>> (read more)

AIDS (Disease) Points of ViewPosition United States is Serious About the AIDS EpidemicMany experts believe that the U.S. government and pharmaceutical companies are doing an admirable job of working to prevent and treat the AIDS virus, programs including needle exchanges are working to prevent AIDS and that the U.S. did not, as conspiracy theorists argue, develop the AIDS virus.John Siegfried, a…>> (read more)

Position Are Government and Health Agencies Doing Enough to Prevent AIDS?Though nations around the world say they're committed to the fight to end AIDS, critics argue that the worldwide epidemic is not taken seriously enough and there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done. Author Tim Unsworth discusses how Arsenio Hall once said that AIDS is World…>> (read more)

Position United States Is Not Serious About the AIDS EpidemicSome experts believe that not only is the U.S. not doing enough to prevent and find a cure for AIDS, the limited resources available are going to efforts that do not work, pharmaceutical companies block the availability of AIDS drugs in developing countries, and others contend that the government had…>> (read more)

4 AIDS in Developing Countries: An Overview5 The United States Should Provide Financial Assistance to Developing Countries to Combat AIDS6 AIDS Epidemic Demands Action from the International Community7 African Nations Are Committed to Fighting the AIDS Epidemic8 U.S. Pharmaceutical Companies Have Helped Make AIDS Drugs Available in Developing Countries9 Development of an AIDS Vaccine Is Not a Magic Bullet Solution10 Reducing Poverty Can Reduce AIDS in Developing Countries11 Chinese Government Is Hampering the Fight Against the AIDS Epidemic12 Deadly Passage to India13 U.S. Pharmaceutical Companies and the U.S. Government Have Blocked the Availability of AIDS Drugs in Developing Countries14 Developing Countries Need to Reduce Risky Behavior to Prevent AIDS

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

The first guitar that I ever owned was an inexpensive steel string Kay guitar with a very high action. I was nine years old and we lived in Phx., AZ. My first guitar teacher was the 'Danke Schoen' guy, Wayne Newton. I had several teachers, as they did not last long at the 'music school' that I took lessons at. The next teacher that I hadwas a country and western bass player who taught me some ballads and stuff. Last of all was a teenager who was studying classical guitar. He later went to Spain and took flamenco and classical lessons there. He kept advising my parents to buy me a Goya nylon string guitar, as the brutal action of the Kay had left my fingertips blistered and raw. I quit the lessons for that reason, but I never forgot whathe said about the Goya guitars. They were made in Spain at the time and were of high quality.